I recieved a gift ... all expenses paid cruise, gratuities included. After receiving my docs, I called Carnival asking if "coupons" (which I have read somewhere, would be provided for me to place in the tip envelopes) for prepaid tips were available. Their answer was no. What should I do? This is my first cruise, I want those who deserve tips to receive them, but wonder if they will ever see the prepaid tips. Do the service people know in advance who has prepaid? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Sara

January 21st, 2003 10:11 PM

Re: Prepaid Gratuities??

I cruised Carnival once and there were tons of people who had won their trip from their company. There was an announement made somewhere (in the daily newsletter I believe) that those people with this group have had their tips prepaid.

MaryLou

January 22nd, 2003 06:48 AM

Re: Prepaid Gratuities??

Angel...what a great gift to have received!

ErnieMCC

January 22nd, 2003 08:40 AM

Re: Re: Prepaid Gratuities??

Yes, the crew is totally aware of it... in the Dining Room and your cabin... and they love it. They know that you will not be among the 10 to 20% who "stiff" them and don't tip at all. Enjoy and let us know how you liked the cruise.

LisaK

January 22nd, 2003 10:08 AM

Re: Prepaid Gratuities??

how wonderful!! The tips are automatically added to your shipboard account. Is this going to be paid for also?? You can always tip on your own if a crew member gives you exceptional service. I think pre-paid is a great idea.

jayfoxfire

January 22nd, 2003 12:26 PM

Re: Prepaid Gratuities??

Angel, how did you "win" this cruise? If you earned it let's say through your company then you are probably part of an "incentive" group, which is required to pay the gratuities for the entire group at final payment prior to the cruise. If you want to double check to make sure this has been taken care of, simply ask the purser on the ship and they should be able to tell you.

Congratulations and have a wonderful cruise!

=)

angel

January 22nd, 2003 02:15 PM

Re: Prepaid Gratuities??

The cruise is a gift from our son ... one of his friends won the cruise (for 2) but was unable to go... they made a deal, and then our son gave the cruise to us as an anniversary gift... great gift, WONDERFUL son!!! Yes the cruise was provided initially by a business ... docs say "Air Transportation, Port Charges/Government Fees/Taxas and Gratuities are Included." Thanks to all of you for your responses to my questions.